Forcing private company deals on the City of Harare (CoH) without proper procedures and consultations fosters corruption, residents have warned.
The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) has clashed with the city council and the Ministry of Local Government over the approval of Geo Pomona’s involvement in waste management.
During a recent meeting with Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume at Town House, CHRA director Reuben Akili criticized the lack of transparency in private partnerships, saying it opens the door for corruption.
“The Pomona project addendum mentions the transfer of equipment and workers to Geo Pomona, which seems to be an agreement that was not fully discussed,” Akili said.
He stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of corruption, warning that bypassing proper decision-making processes undermines oversight committees and drains council resources.
Geo Pomona was formed in 2022 after Dutch waste management company Geogenix BV secured a US$350 million waste-to-energy deal with the city. However, concerns have emerged over the firm’s ownership structure, with reports indicating that Delish Nguwaya and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son each hold a 50% stake.
Although the Harare City Council initially opposed Geo Pomona taking over its dumping sites, it later agreed to collaborate on waste management efforts. The company is set to collect 650 tonnes of refuse daily at a rate of US$40 per tonne.
Despite objections from residents, the government has praised Geo Pomona’s project as a model for other cities.
Mayor Mafume, who was once a strong critic of the deal, told residents that partnerships with private companies could benefit the city.
“There are certain things the private sector can do better. I initially had concerns about the dumpsite, but if you visit now, it is clean, odor-free, and well-managed,” Mafume said.
He added that while the city initially refused to pay for the project, the central government covered the costs, ensuring that residents were not financially burdened.
“This model seems to be working. There may be issues, but those can be addressed,” Mafume concluded.
Source- NewZimbabwe
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